Tag: needed

UP finds needed push from previous Finals defeats

On: By: admin


FILE–UP Fighting Maroons’ CJ Cansino . –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Losing only a few members from its core, University of the Philippines (UP) still looks like the formidable crew that fought in the last three championship series of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

But the Fighting Maroons had only reached the throne once in those Finals appearances after folding to Ateneo two years ago and against La Salle in Season 86.

“Coming short the last two seasons—that’s where we are coming from. We’re not gonna lie about that,” assistant coach Christian Luanzon said on Sunday after UP ousted Far Eastern University with an 89-77 victory in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup knockout semifinals.

The Maroons, also the defending champions of this preseason tilt, have been dominating the competition made up of squads from both UAAP and NCAA and are currently in an eight-game winning streak.

‘Everyday grind’

Guard CJ Cansino and former Most Valuable Player big man Malick Diouf exhausted their playing years while Luis Pablo and Cyril Gonzales transferred, but UP still has the services of mainstays such as JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano and reigning Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez as well as a bunch of recruits.

But from its experience in those last two seasons, UP is not getting complacent with how it is playing so far especially with last season’s tormentor La Salle meeting them once again in the Finals.

Despite squandering a 24-point lead, the Green Archers survived the late-game efforts of Letran, 91-87, in the other semifinal pairing to advance to the championship with sophomore forward Jonnel Policarpio’s 19 points.

“We know that it’s not going to be easy to [reach the top] but there’s a process to that and it starts with our everyday grind during practices and building our habits and chemistry,” Luanzon said.

“[We are honing] the culture that we want and the standard that not only coach [Goldwin Monteverde] wants but the standard that the players put on themselves as a team,” he added.

That standard can be seen through powerful forward Lopez, who delivered a 22-point performance from eight-of-12 field goals apart from seven rebounds. Graduating guard Cagulangan led his crew with 13 points, nine assists, five rebounds and four steals.

“This is our team so the standard that we uphold in practice and games should fully be translated inside the court, that’s the most important thing,” Luanzon said. INQ

Marcio Lassiter just needed small opening for winner

On: By: admin


Meralco Bolts’ Marcio Lassier during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—Just a clear look at the basket. That was all Marcio Lassiter needed to bring the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and Meralco to a 1-1 deadlock

At the tail-end of a thrilling Game 2 between the Beermen and the Bolts, Meralco held a precarious two-point lead, 94-92, with 20 seconds to go in the fourth.

When San Miguel needed someone to pull them out of the gutter, Marcio Lassiter reminded everyone why he’s closing in on being the player with the most made three-point baskets in the PBA.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“Coming down, I was just thinking; if the shot’s there, just take it,” said Lassiter after the 95-94 victory for the Beermen.

“I think CJ (Perez) even told me to be ready when he (Chris Banchero) was at the free throw line. I just knew if I can get to my spot, read the defense and pump fake, I can be open. I got a good look at the basket and that’s all I really need.”

Meralco had several chances to seal the deal and take a 2-0 lead, but the game breaks cost the Bolts big time.

Banchero, who finished with 16 points, could’ve given Meralco a 3-point cushion but split the all-important freebies after Lassiter fouled him in the dying seconds of the game.

Lassiter saw that as the perfect opening—and that’s all “Super Marcio” ever really needs.

“Anytime I can get a good look and see the rim, I really feel like I can make it. A few times before, I was able to stay poised and when given an opportunity, I take it. Credit to CJ for keeping his head up and finding me in the corner.”

READ: PBA record can wait as Marcio Lassiter shoots for another title

Lassiter only finished with six points and before his game-winner, the  Gilas Pilipinas gunner struggled the field with a 1-for-7 shooting clip.

Lassiter understood the situation, saying Meralco had good things in mind by limiting the Beermen from shooting perimeter buckets.

“There’s nothing you can do to stop all of us but you can contain certain things and they wanted to contain some outside shooting today, it seems like… If there was a slither or opening, that’s when I have to be ready and take that shot,” he said.

With the series tied at one game a piece, Lassiter understands that the series is far from over, with both games in the Finals so far, having a point differential of below double digits.

Only one squad will take the 2-1 advantage this Sunday at the same venue, though, and the sharpshooter expects nothing more than another dogfight come Game 3.

“It’s too early. We know it’s going to grind out games this whole series. We can’t expect them to just roll over, they’re a good team. That’s why they’re in the Finals. They’re well-coached and we have to make adjustments.”